Table of Contents

This Chapter

By James Farol Metcalf

GEMZAR is indicated as a single agent (given alone) as the first-line treatment for
patients with locally advanced stage II or stage III cancer when surgery is not an option.

GEMZAR can suppress bone marrow function. There have been rare reports of serious
kidney or liver toxicity with GEMZAR treatment, sometimes fatal. Serious lung toxicity
has also been reported, sometimes fatal.

There is a risk of side effects associated with GEMZAR therapy. The most common
side effects are low blood cell counts (red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets); fever; infection; hair loss; tiredness; nausea, vomiting, constipation,
and diarrhea; rash; shortness of breath; muscle aches; and numbness or tingling in
your toes or fingers.